Annual Memberships are due this month:
Members who are now renewing their memberships by EFT must complete and
sign a 2012 membership form and either email the form to
treasurer@actvets.cc, mail or bring along to an event. The disclaimer on
our membership form has been amended in accordance with advice from the
AVCC and the insurer. A 2012 licence will not be issued to renewing
club members until a 2012 membership form has been received by the club.
Details of this change can be found at http://www.actvets.cc/membershipEligibility to Race on 3 January, 2012: If you are unfinancial
when racing resumes on 3/1/12, you will not be permitted to race without
paying first. Committee members will have their lists on hand and will
be checking each entrant's status at registration. If you are paying by
EFT, you must attach a hard copy of the payment to your signed
membership form.2012 Calendar Adjustments: (a) 21 January, Old Federal Hwy event
is cancelled for lack of road approvals; (b) 12 February, Bega event
postponed. Substitute events may be inserted, probably at Stromlo Park.Racing after a Serious Illness:
Our AVCC Racing Rules contain the following clause: "11. A medical
certificate is required when a member returns to competition after
serious illness or injury."Current Grade Changes: These are available via the rms but will
also be listed in Bleats in 2012 as a reminder to those too busy to
check before racing.For Sale: Our fond old friend, the club
trailer, is for sale. He/she has been retired in favour of our sprightly
new van, but is still fit for heavy duties. If you would like to make
an offer, send it to the stable master Graham Hendrie at web@actvets.ccAVCC National Championships 2012: Hobart 9/10/11 November 2012. AVCC AGM 12/12/12.

RECENT RESULTS:Peter McLennan Memorial Wheel Race, Stromlo Tuesday, 13 December.
In
cool and breezy conditions 111 enthusiastic coursers, supported by
family and other helpers, turned out to honour the memory of Peter
McLennan and see Santa.

There was some hard charging, but also some strategic
self-preservation on view in the heats, most obviously in A grade where
the five qualifiers got away in a bunch. In D grade, the huge roll-out
of 27 was able to resist all of the frequent but short-lived attacks
(with the wind) up the back straight. Respective grade winners were
Stuart Cathcart, Michael Fawke, Mark Vroomans. Lyndsey Vivian, Graham
Tanton, Graham Hendrie and Mick Donaldson. Prominent among the lady
qualifiers were Linda Banks, Sue Frost, Jing Huang, Pauline Thorn,
Barbara Bayliss and Heather Sommariva. In C grade Janine Ridsdale might
have easily won the 'most aggressive rider' award, had one been on
offer.

The annual Peter McLennan Wheel Race is always thrilling, and this
year's version never failed to deliver on excitement. It also produced
many pain-embracing, courageous performances, two of which should endure
in our memories for some years. Dispatched first, G grade scampered
away into the breeze with no obvious plan of attack. F grade was an
energetic trio working together, the E quintet was disciplined, D seemed
stretched from the outset, and C looked cool and methodical. Casual but
calculating, B waited for the rampaging A machine to arrive.

Gunnar Bursell, fresh from a year's lay off and to the delight of
his very vocal admirers, was the first to establish a clear and dashing
lead, powering into the wind after E grade had joined his F troop. At
the same moment C caught D (they still seemed to be struggling) on lap
3, and while G grade persevered in its task Gunnar skipped away for his
moment of glory. But he was soon eclipsed by a vigorous new challenger,
Cath Kelleher (no novice, but racing with us for the first time). She
then advanced her cause boldly, achieving an apparently unassailable
position which she defended well into lap 5 and well clear of the
inevitable A grade counter-attack.

Paul Connors and Ian Downing were by lap 4 in hot pursuit, but it
was Ian who positioned himself for audacious (but apparently hopeless)
last lap heroics. He did so spectacularly, with wind assistance, from
Collarbone Corner, and I doubt that we have seen anyone change the
complexion of a race so rapidly. There were loud cheers and warm support
for both pursued and pursuer alike, but like any other missile Ian was
suddenly there locking on to Kath's wheel. As they emerged from the top
bend he found just a few seconds to draw breath and then executed the
professional victory that made it look just a formality after all. But
he'd had to dig deep to defeat such a determined challenger, and suffer
as much as the defeated brigades - led home by Paul Connor, Michael
Fawke and Paul Angelatos (results to be confirmed).

All were rewarded with a superbly organised BBQ cooked by the
President and Jim Veal. And some collected medals won during the winter
season points competition: Ian Downing, Graham Hendrie and Bruce Jones;
Rosemary Robinson, Linda Stals and Pat Rooke. Graham Hendrie was also
declared Club Volunteer of the Year.

Special thanks to Race Director Ian Morton (cunningly
disguised) who was thoroughly supported by Henry Beaverstock and various
Committee members cooking snags and monitoring registrations.

*
For technical reasons some competitors and the Wheel Race Final do not
yet appear on the rms, but for otherwise complete results of all events
go to the web site http://rms.actvets.cc/
Queanbeyan Track Racing, Thursday, 15 December: Christmas Wheel Races
Robert
Langridge prevailed this week to defeat the indefatigable Reinhard
Mauch and Paul Ledbrook in the Roadies' Wheel Race. Ray Gorrell found
form again to triumph over Steve Jones and Jim Davey in the Trackies'
race. Best placed ladies were Rosemary Robinson (road) and Pat Rooke
(track). Our thanks again to Graeme O'Neill and Alan Bontjer for
directing. Here's Allan's Story:

"Two people will have their names etched onto the ACT Veterans
Cycling Club Trophy for the 2011-12 Season Christmas Handicap.The wheel
race was run over 4 laps, instead of the normal 2 for season wheel
races. Rob Landridge won the roadies race from a mark of 90 metres,
which Reinhard Mauch second, having to make up the full 90 on Rob. Paul
Ledbrook a new rider took out third, doing a lot of hard work off 60
metres. Ray Gorrell won the track version, sprinting powerfully out of a
large bunch who were just holding off Steve Jones (scratch) and Jim
Davey who rode well off a big mark of 220 metres."

Stromlo Longer Graded Crits, Sunday 11 December.
Perfect
conditions and the prospect of a long, hard workout at Stromlo induced
65 competitors to return to the scene of Tuesday's wild sprints for a
more measured program of Sunday racing. A grade was noticeably larger
this week and produced a titanic struggle of the fittest: Steve Jones,
defeated Reinhard Mauch and Christophe Barberet. A consistent Brendan
Byatt finished ahead of Aaron Sedgmen and the rapidly improving Richard
Bourne in B grade, while C Grade seemed full of those who are finding or
returning to their best form, including Ross Robinson and Steve
Schwenke who took the major points. Amongst the chasers were Jonathon
Chowns returning from a long absence, and two D grade heroes, Vince Dunn
and Mike Hayes, bent on self-improvement.

D grade was again the largest group, all fighters, and produced a
hotly contested race. Dark horse, Paul Ledbrook, confirmed his potential
(see Thursday's track results) in defeating Paul Clare and Michael
McGurgan. John Coleman made another rare but welcome guest appearance in
the pack. Brian Chugg beat Ian Morton in E grade with Linda Stals not
far off in 4th. Phill Coulton struck like lightning to defeat Ian Shaw
and Graham Hendrie in F, achieving his best result in more than 2 years.
David Gould prevailed over Bruce Jones again in G, while Angelika Mauch
finished ahead of Jing Huang.

Many thanks to Race Director Gordon McMenemy and his assistants. For full results of all events go to http://rms.actvets.cc/

Directing This Month?
See website for list of future events and allocated race directors. http://rms.actvets.cc/
Please
notify James Jordan (handicapper@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet
your obligations or provide a substitute director in your absence. If
you are unable to direct for any reason please try to make alternative
arrangements by swapping with other allocated Directors. If you cannot
make a swap please give us at least a week's notice so we can call for a
replacement in a timely fashion.
Current List to Jan 31:
Bruce Luckham (20/12/11)
Christmas/New Year: No scheduled races
Kim Malcolm (3/1/12)
Ross McPherson (7/1/12)
Steve Jones (10/1/12)
Kirsti McVay (17/1/12)
Alain Menager (24/1/12)
Francoise Mossard (31/1/12)

TIMELY REMINDERS:Wheel Race BBQ Tomorrow!:
The Committee will be putting on the traditional Wheel Race BBQ during
tomorrow evening’s race at Stromlo. Vets, family, and friends are
invited to the BBQ to see how much extra power a nicely cooked sausage
gives them in, or recovering from, the sprint. Cooking will commence
during the race, some soft drinks will be provided. Please BYO any
performance enhancing beverages that you feel you may also need.

Next Committee Meeting: Wednesday 14 December at Weston Club at 7:30 pm.

Annual Memberships are due this month: Members who are now
renewing their memberships by EFT must complete and sign a 2012
membership form and either email the form to treasurer@actvets.cc, mail
or bring along to an event. The disclaimer on our membership form has
been amended in accordance with advice from the AVCC and the insurer. A
2012 licence will not be issued to renewing club members until a 2012
membership form has been received by the club. Details of this change
can be found at http://www.actvets.cc/membership

RACING THIS WEEK:Tuesday, 13 December: Christmas Wheel Race Program from 5:45pm
(Shorter graded scratch races as a prelude to a fast, furious, final hcp.)
Where: Stromlo Forest Park Circuit.
Sign on: 15 mins before your grade's scheduled start time wearing your registered number. NO NUMBER; NO START!
When
(approximate start and race times): G at 5:45pm for 10 min + 1 lap; EF
at 6:00pm for 12 mins + 1; AB at 6:15pm for 18 min + 1; CD at 6:40pm for
15min + 1.
Event Description: Normal competition points apply in these 'heats'.
First 5 in each grade qualify for the Wheel Race Final at approx. 7:10
pm, a handicap in which the hares pursue the tortoises. Additional
season points apply to this hcp. Teamwork is important to individual
success. More details at the sign-on desk. The Committee will be putting
on the traditional Wheel Race BBQ during and after the Wheel Race.
Race Director: Mick Jermyn
Contact: mick.jermin@optus.com.au; Tel. 62877345Help Needed:
Mick will need at least one volunteer to assist at the chute, and one
more to help monitor the progress of the handicap. Several more are
needed to assist Lee Hopson and Barabra Bayliss around the bbq.

Thursday, 15 December: Queanbeyan Track Racing
Where: Queanbeyan Park
When: Warm up from 5:30 pm; first race at 6:00 pm.
Scratch races, two lap handicap, derny races and Italian pursuits. Road and track bikes welcome.
Contact: track@actvets.cc
As always results can be found on the rms and more detail at http://www.actvets.cc/track/tracknews

RECENT RESULTS:Stromlo Criteriums, Tuesday, 6 December.
91
competitors turned out in windy but rather gloomy conditions.
Nonetheless, the racing was vigorous and enthusiastic as usual. Three
ladies captured a share of the points: Jing Huang was second in G;
Rosemary Robinson 5th in E and Linda Banks 3rd in D. Janine Ridsdale was
a fighting 6th in C, but all the winners were blokes: Paul Connor (A),
Stuart Cathcart (B) Brendan Byatt (C), Bob Perkins (E), Paul McKay (F)
and David Gould (G). Newcomer Selwyn Snell had to be imported into D
grade to defeat the sprightly Vince Dunn. Meanwhile, in E grade, Kelvin
Alley finished a gallant third in his first crit since March.

Many thanks to Race Director Andrew Hislop, ably assisted by Henry Beaverstock and Barbara Bayliss. For full results of all events go to the web site http://rms.actvets.cc/
Queanbeyan Track Racing, Thursday, 8 December
Jing Huang
was again prominent, winning the Roadies' two lap hcp ahead of Robert
Langridge and Peter Leach. Anton Wurzer again dominated the Trackies'
hcp, beating Darren Clarke and Ray Gorrell over the line. Our thanks to Graeme O'Neill and Alan Bontjer for directing events.

Many thanks to Race Director Andrew Peel, assisted by Graham
Hendrie, Mike Spoljaric and Bruce Jones, for successfully managing this
event and making it possible. For full results of all events go to the
web site http://rms.actvets.cc/
Directing This Month?
See website for list of future events and allocated race directors. http://rms.actvets.cc/
Please
notify James Jordan (handicapper@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet
your obligations or provide a substitute director in your absence. If
you are unable to direct for any reason please try to make alternative
arrangements by swapping with other allocated Directors. If you cannot
make a swap please give us at least a week's notice so we can call for a
replacement in a timely fashion.

TIMELY REMINDERS:Annual Membership Fees
are due next month, and the good news is that although our insurance
rates have increased, there will be no increase in membership fees in
the short term.Bleats will be again edited by Richard Gorrell, until
mid-February 2012, so please send copy or questions to him at
vice.president@actvets.cc

Thursday, 1 December: Queanbeyan Track Racing
Where: Queanbeyan Park
When: Warm up from 5:30 pm; first race at 6:00 pm.
Scratch races, two lap handicap, derny races and Italian pursuits. Road and track bikes welcome.
Contact: track@actvets.cc
As always results can be found on the rms and more detail at http://www.actvets.cc/track/tracknews
Sunday, 4 December: Uriarra Homestead Graded Scratch
When: 8:00 am Sunday 4 December.
Sign on: from 7:15 to 7:45 am wearing you registered number. NO NUMBER, NO START!
Where: Uriarra Homestead near intersection of Brindabella and Uriarra Roads
Parking:
Off the road on the Homestead side of Brindabella Road. Please do not
park on the opposite (left) side of the road which will be used as a
start/finish zone.
Course: Start at Uriarra Homestead; ride uphill to Blue Range Spur;
U-turn downhill to top of Uriarra Crossing; U-Turn back to Blue Range
Spur, for second time; U-Turn to top pf Crossing for second time; U-Turn
to finish at Homestead.
Race Distance: 38.2 km for all grades
Race Director: Angelika Mauch
Contact: rma33006@bigpond.net.au; tel.6299 6457Help Needed: Angelika will require at least 3 road marshals and three other assistants to help at the start/finish zone and the chute.

RECENT RESULTS:Lookout Hill Time Trial, Sunday 27 November.
38
starters and 5 officials turned out on a cool, breezy but fine morning.
A grade provided the largest group and the fastest time of the the day
for Allan Sieper (27.45) ove4r the 19.5 km course. Other grade winners
included James Jordan, Les Ridsdale (by more than 3 minutes in C), Jeff
Culnane, Pat Rooke, Ian Morton, Bruce Jones. Barbara Bayliss and Jing
Huang were at their consistent best finishing second in their respective
grades. John Barlow and Cameron led the tandems home.
Many thanks to Race Director Wayne Gregson, Aurelio Biurra, Bill Frost,
Graham Hendrie and Chris Daly for making this event possible and
successful.For full results of all events go to the web site http://rms.actvets.cc/

Some Notes on Rules & Scoring for the Time Trials (from James Jordan):

All time trials are run as individual events, as well as
part of an overall series.

To be considered eligible for the series title all races
must be completed.

Riders who have a mechanical on a course will be considered
to have raced, but will not earn any points.

Any bike, road or time trial, can be used for the course,
but must be the same bike and wheel set for each course. Penalty for using different bike or wheel set
is 60 points.

Although it is expected that each rider will honour the
series and try as hard as they can for each race the Series Director can
decided that a rider has ‘sandbagged’. This is where a rider has deliberately gone slowly on their first effort
on a course to maximise points. Riders
will be disqualified should this decision be made. Points are earned by beating the previous time run on each
course. Each second is worth one point. (For example, Joan Smith's first attempt on Short course is 34 min 15 seconds. The
second attempt is 33 min 10 seconds. Difference
in time is 1 min 5 seconds which equals 65 points.)

An additional 5 points will be issued for each
course raced for the fastest rider in each grade.

Directing This Month?
Please notify James Jordan
(handicapper@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet your obligations or
provide a substitute director in your absence. If you are unable to
direct for any reason please try to make alternative arrangements by
swapping with other allocated Directors. If you cannot make a swap
please give us at least a weeks notice so we can call for a replacement
in a timely fashion.

Some new track photos can be found at http://www.actvets.cc/photos of the riders group that turned up to track last night and then the roadies first scratch race.

A
note out to trackies and roadies who we miss every week when they don’t
turn up – Andre, Ottmar, Seymour, Alley, Dennis, James, Angie, Fiona,
Linda, Braham, Sue, Rosemary, Reinhard, Angelika and more.

A
big thanks to Allan Bontjer for “crutching along” to direct the meeting
last night – Allan was struck by a motorcyclist last month and suffered
a broken leg, so a big effort by him to come along and run the show.

<<<For
those of you present at last weekends race at Lookout Hill, Graham
announced the Time Trial was to be at Uriarra. Clearly that is not
correct and he has asked that we emphasise the location in this
Bleat>>>>

No
race report available however a small but quality field battled it out
on the tough Lookout Hill course. I am pleased to see that a long list
of marshals was on hand to help Race Director Ian Downing. Thanks to
them for volunteering at short notice. Marshals on the day were Fiona
Mavris, Jeff Culnane, Elton Ivers, Brad White, and Robert Langridge.

Directing This Month?
Please notify James Jordan (handicapper@actvets.cc) if you are unable
to meet your obligations or provide a substitute director in your
absence. If you are unable to direct for any reason please try to make
alternate arrangements by swapping with other allocated Directors. If
you cannot make a swap please give us at least a weeks notice so we can
call for a replacement in a timely fashion.

URGENT,
URGENT! We have no Director for Tuesdays Crit this week (nominated
director unavailable). If someone could please volunteer could they let
James Jordan know so arrangements can be finalised ASAP. James can be
contacted by phone 0400 966 695 or email handicapper@actvets.cc

THIS BLEAT AND NEXT WEEKS WILL BE EDITED BY ROB DIAMOND: Please send copy or questions to him at president@actvets.cc

Racing This Week:

Tuesday, 15 November: Stromlo Criteriums from 5:45pm

Where: Stromlo Forest Park Circuit.
When (approximate start and race times): G at 5:45 for 15min CD at 6:00
for 30min EF at 6:35 for 25min AB at 7:05 for 35min (Approximate Start
and Race Times)

There
was no racing last weekend however many of our members participated or
marshalled at the Tour de Femme. A quick look at the results saw as many
as a dozen Vets ladies in the top 50. And there were some very good
results. Janine Ridsdale came 7th overall finishing fast in the lead bunch. Congratulations to all Vets ladies who participated. The list is a long one.

Directing This Month? Please Confirm

Please check the list below and notify Graham (webmaster@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet your obligations or provide a substitute director in your absence.

If
you are unable to direct for any reason please try to make alternate
arrangements by swapping with other allocated Directors. If you cannot
make a swap please give us at least a weeks notice so we can call for a
replacement in a timely fashion.

Recent Events:
Stromlo Crits, Tuesday 1 November.
What a difference sunshine makes!This
week's racing induced a record turnout of 124 (including a crowd of 31
in D grade). It must be harder to get to the front and score points
these days, but most of Tuesday's winners were on form and no strangers
to the podium: Paul Connor, Reinhard Mauch, Paul Angelatos and Paul
Rickets. Jane Jones scored her third victory in recent F grade
appearances, while both newcomer Leigh Goldsmith (in G) and Simon
Bateman (in F) won for the first time. An unfortunate crash disrupted
the A/B race and recruited a new member for Club Clavicle
(see Peter Marshall's story below). Many thanks to Race Director John
Thorn for coping with this and successfully managing an exciting and
extremely popular program.Full results at http://rms.actvets.cc/
And Another Tale of Woe (supplementing those of Allan Bontjer and Andrew Peel):Unfortunately last night didn't go according to my plan: i.e. sit in
the pack huffing and surprise Ian Downing and others (and self) on the
bell lap! The accident has resulted in a broken collarbone and a number
of weeks off the bike. I would like to pass on my gratitude to those who assisted and those who
put their bodies on the line by ushering riders around my sorry carcass
(apologies to all grades for presenting an obstacle on course); a big
thank you to Rod Bates who assisted and volunteered to cleaned up after
me (bike etc). Sorry for ruining your race, Rod! And, apologies to John Thorn for interrupting the event. - Pete Marshall
Sunday 6 November: Uriarra-Mt McDonald Graded Scratch.Apologies! Circumstances have required this early edition of the Bleat,
so there is no report for this event yet. Thanks in advance to Jim
Cruden and all who assisted. Please check for results at the usual site:
http://rms.actvets.cc/
Directing This Month? Please Confirm

Please
check the list below and notify Graham (webmaster@actvets.cc)
if you are unable to meet your obligations or provide a substitute
director in your absence.

Help Needed: John will need at least one volunteer to assist at the chute.

Thursday, 3
October: Queanbeyan Track Racing Where: Queanbeyan Park
When:
Warm up from 5:30 pm; first race at 6:00 pm.
Scratch races, two lap
handicap, derny races and Italian pursuits. Road and track bikes
welcome.
Contact:track@actvets.ccSunday, 6 November at 8:00 am:Uriarra Homestead/Mt McDonald Graded Scratch
Where: Uriarra Homestead at junction of Uriarra and Brindabella Rds.
Registration: From 7:15 to 7:45pm, wearing your registered number. No number - no start!
Course
Description: Start > Condor Creek; U-turn back to start then to top
of Uriarra Crossing U-turn; then to Uriarra/Brindabella junction and
left onto Brindabella road to Mt. McDonald short turn; U-turn back to
junction and left to Brindabella short turn; U-turn back to top of
Uriarra Crossing again; U-turn back to finish at Homestead. As an
option, G grade may choose to race the same course without the first leg
- to Condor Creek and back
Race Distance: 48.2 km for all grades A to F; G grade option approx 36km.Race Director: TBA

Recent
Events:

Fair Weather Stromlo Crits Tuesday 25/10/11: Many thanks to Race Director
Lee Hopson. Here is his forever optimistic account of the events of that memorable evening:

Well
despite the rain and the threat of further thunderstorms the Crit track
was rain free and raceable (is that a word?) by 5.30pm on Tuesday
night.

G grade
were first up and despite a drying track and no rain, a grand total of
zero riders signed on and were ready to race at 5.45pm. No riders were
waved away promptly and no ‘hot laps’ were in evidence throughout the
race. No one crossed the finish line in first place after a gruelling attack in the final straight.

E and F grade
were in evidence but after some speculation and deep deliberation only
Andre Swenson signed on and rolled to the start line at 6.00pm. The
rain had cleared and the track was drying nicely when Andre powered
away from the start line. Andre then proceeded to launch attack after
attack on himself in a combined E-F grade. He tried to out sprint
himself when a Sprint Lap sign went up courtesy of an ever thoughtful
Race Director. He couldn’t quite mange to pass himself on the outside on
Collar Bone corner, and only managed to hold himself off on a final
attack on himself in the last 2 laps of the race. Andre crossed the line in first position amid thunderous applause from absolutely none of the nonexistent spectators.

A combined A and B grade
rolled away at 6.30 on a dry track with no wind and no rain. The
peloton led by Nick Boylan (A grade) on his titanium masterpiece quickly
put Chris Chant of B grade to the test. Chris managed to
hang on despite lap after lap of a blistering pace set by A grade. The
combined peloton of two riders worked smoothly together whilst the
growing/grazing spectator base of 3 kangaroos and a duck watched on in
awe. The sun glinting off Nick’s titanium frame shone through as he
crossed by half a wheel length from a determined Chris who had led B
grade for the entire race.

C and D grades
combined to put on a spectacular race, the like of which has been
rarely seen in the post war era. George Pongracz, Paul Clare and Seymour
Savell-Boss rolled confidently to the start line, all with D grade
aspirations for a podium place. Brad Tuohy looked
commanding in C grade from the outset and never failed to deliver. After
some pre race banter the combined peloton surged away, only for Brad to have a flat and then take a lap out for a quick tyre change. He rejoined the combined peloton and put them to the test. On and on they raced on a now totally dry track, the kangaroo audience having long since left
in company with the duck. George struggled briefly, but
bravely continued on to give a good account of himself. Brad smashed the
peloton with a long lead out in the final lap, comfortably winning C
grade. In a blistering D Grade sprint finish Seymour managed to outpace a
fast finishing Paul and then George.

The
Director was ably assisted in this event by the omnipresent Barb
Bayliss and the avuncular James Meredith. No names have been changed to
protect the guilty.See the 'full' results at http://rms.actvets.cc/
Track Results Updated:
Track Results are now on the RMS you can also find detailed results at the Track Results page. The track points score for season 2011-12 can be found on the RMS. Select "Rider points report" from left column and then select "2011-12 Track Summer"

Hit the submit button and the current season points score will be calculated and displayed.

Sat 22 October: Lookout Hill Age Standard Time Trial
46 time-triallers including a brace of tandems were expertly managed by
Race Director Jan Koehler assisted by Bill Frost and James Meredith.
There were many outsatnding performances. That man of iron, Reinhard
Mauch, struck again by winning the men's category with a time almost 7
minutes under Age Standard! The two he left in his wake, Owain Tilley
and Peter Klein, were hardly 'defeated' men, since they both posted
times more than 3 minutes under AS. In the women's division, Lee
Sheather was also more than three mins. under her AS, and almost 4
minutes on the scale to the better of Rosemary Robinson and Barbara
Bayliss who followed her in the rankings. Don Mankewitch (with Robert
Bleeker) was again successful in the tandems division with a time just 2
seconds above AS. Lindy Hou (with Elton Ivers) and John Barlow (with
Cameron Emert) filled the minor placings. See full results at http://rms.actvets.cc/

FIT ABILITY - Call for pilots:
Many of you are aware of the FIT-Ability program where visually impaired
riders cycle on tandem bike. In past years we have had as many as 8
tandems in the Tour de Femme. This year I have had to restrict numbers
for the Tour de Femme as I do not have enough female pilots to allow all
visually impaired women who may like to participate. We are also
looking for new talent for tandem races in some Thursday night crits
with Vikings and some vets weekend races. If you are interested in
trying riding a tandem please call Rosemary Robinson on 0429811960 or rosemaryr2@iinet.net.au

Cycling ACT 2012 Calendar:We
are asking keen photographers in the Cycling community if they have any
photos of any aspect of ACT Cycling or featuring ACT Cyclists taken in
the last 12 months that they would like to see published in the ACT
Calendar.Photographs that people would like to submit for consideration to be included in the Calendar should be emailed to actcycling.photos@gmail.com
Photos need to be submitted by Friday 4th November 2011 to be considered for inclusion in the Calendar.A $150 cash prize is available for the photo judged to be the best
from those photos chosen for inclusion in the Calendar. Submission of
photos grants permission to Cycling ACT to publish the image in the 2012
Cycling ACT calendar and to use the image in promotion and marketing of
the Calendar and Cycling in the ACT.Cheers – LexieCycling ACT

Directing This Month? Please Confirm

Please
check the list below and notify Graham (webmaster@actvets.cc)
if you are unable to meet your obligations or provide a substitute
director in your absence.

Help Needed on Saturday: Patrick will need at least one
assistant to help out at the chute.Recent
Events:

Stromlo
Crits Tuesday 11/10/11: Many thanks to Race Director Christophe Barberet and
Henry Beaverstock for their expertise in managing a very popular program and its
115 competitors, notably in D grade which attracted 27. Clearly, everyone is
coming out for Summer Crits, including many riders we have not seen on the
circuit for a while, as well as some new faces in the ranks. Sadly missed was
Allan Bontjer who was undergoing surgery on a badly broken leg at
Canberra Hospital after an accident while commuting to work that morning. Allan
was struck by a motorcyclist while riding in a clearly marked bicycle lane near
Civic and is now at home for a long period of recuperation.

Baden
Burke defeated 18 other A graders at only his second attempt (he was 3rd the
previous week). Steve Duffy who began racing crits late last year in D grade,
finished a competitive 4th. In B grade (also a field of 19) Chris Chant returned
to his winning form and the legendary Jim Veal simply returned, after a three
year absence from Vets racing) to finish a very creditable 7th in a hot field.
Paul Angelatos, obviously on his way back to his best form of last season,
celebrated a C grade victory to pair with his D grade win a month ago. Jack
Hermes was in the hunt as usual, and in 6th place was John Backhouse who is
beginning to find his C grade legs again. Newcomer Stephen Rayner, had his first
victory in D grade at his third attempt, while David Gunter (E), Johan Coetzer
(F) and Bruce Jones (G) were almost predictable winners of their respective
grades, given their consistency.

As you may
have noticed we have had a few problems with the allocation of Race Directors
which has resulted in some late call ups. This has also led to a
small number of members stepping up a number of times within the same
year. This is an unfair situation as we have over 300 members and
thus each of us only needs to undertake the role once every 2 years.
On that note, you should also look to marshal once per year as
well.

To
alleviate this problem the committee has decided that the Race Director role
will now be allocated in the future. It is each member’s responsibility to check
the calendar for their name to see when they have been assigned a race.
If you do not feel confident in taking on the role please contact the
Race Committee who will provide assistance. If you are not able to meet your
commitment on the assigned date it will be your responsibility to find a
replacement. You can swap with another person directly or ask the
Bleat editor to seek offers on your behalf. If you require
assistance you can contact the Race Committee, but it is your responsibility
to find a replacement and notify any changes to Graham at
<web@actvets.cc>

Riders
will still be allocated points for directing (20) and marshaling (10) as part of
the season. Riders who fail to meet their commitment will still be allowed to
race, but will not be eligible for season points. Once they have
undertaken the role they will be allowed to earn points
again.

(2)
Refresh of Road Grades: Advice from James Jordan,
Handicapper

Note
that Criterium Grades are not subject to refresh.

As some of
you may have noticed there have been some problems where the numbers of
participants in a grade has been low. To alleviate this I have gone
over the grading list and made a significant shuffle. One of the
results of this is that quite a number of people will find themselves in a
different grade, most likely a higher one, for the start of the Summer Road
season. I realise that some of you will be displeased with your changed grade,
but please understand that you are not the only one affected, and
that it has been done in the best interests of racing for all. To allow
the grades to settle, I will not accept any requests for a change until a rider
has participated in at least two races in his/her new
grade.

(3)
Time Trial Series

Courses:

Short Course:
Lookout Hill normal course.

Hilly Course:
Stromlo, left towards sister and turn around at last sister, return and once
around the Criterium track.

All time trials
are run as individual events, as well as part of an overall series.

To be considered
eligible for the series title all races must be completed.

Riders who have
a mechanical on a course will be considered to have raced, but will not earn any
points.

Any bike, road
or time trial, can be used for the course, but must be the same bike and wheel
set for each course. Penalty for using different bike or wheel set
is 60 points.

Although it is
expected that each rider will honour the series and try as hard as they can for
each race the Series Director can decided that a rider has ‘sandbagged’.
This is where a rider has deliberately gone slowly on their first effort
on a course to maximise points. Riders will be disqualified should
this decision be made.

Points:

Points
are earned by beating the previous time run on each course. Each second
is worth one point.

(Example: John Smith first attempt on Short course in
34 min 15 seconds. The second attempt is 33 min
10 seconds. Difference in time is 1 min 5
seconds which equals 65 points.) Additional 5 points will be issued for each course raced for the fastest
rider in each age bracket
(35-39;40-44;45-49;50-54;55-59;60-64;65-70).

Questions or comments to - handicapper@actvets.cc

Directing This Month? Please
Confirm

Please check the list below and notify Graham (webmaster@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet your
obligations or provide a substitute director in your
absence.

Timely Reminders: It is compulsory to wear your registered number when racing. That
number should have your emergency contact details on its reverse side,
and be worn above your left hip. Directors are now asked to check that
all competitors comply with this rule at the start line. NO NUMBER (and
it must be your own or one allocated at the registration desk), NO
START!

It is also required that when you renew your membership that you sign a disclaimer
on the new 2012 form. Again, NO SIGNATURE - NO RACING! Desk officials
and Race Directors should also be made aware of this fundamental
requirement for trial riders and new members. For further explanation,
see Mel Davies' notes below.

Crit Grades: If you do not have a nominated crit grade next
to your name or number in the rms lists, you are expected to race crits
in the grade you race road events.

Thursday, 13
October 6:00pm - Queanbeyan
Track Racing Where:
Queanbeyan Park
When: Warm up from 5:30; first race at 6pm.
Scratch
races, two lap handicap, derny races and Italian pursuits. Road and
track bikes welcome.
Contact:track@actvets.ccThere
is a mailing list for track riders. If you
would like to
be added to this list please reply to track@actvets.cc
Track
News:
http://www.actvets.cc/track
and a news page http://www.actvets.cc/track/tracknews

Saturday, 15 October - Old Federal Highway Hcp
Where:
The 'Gravel Pit' on Old Federal Highway at its intersection with Shingle
Hill Way (TL from Federal Highway approx 9km from Sutton overpass).

When:
Sign on by 1:15 pm. G grade starts at 1:30 pm, followed by others at prescribed intervals.
Race Description: Handicap.
Course:
Start Gravel Pit; TL onto Shingle Hill Way; U-Turn near Yass River
Crossing; Tl on to Old Federal Hwy, heading north towards Lake George;
U-turn back to finish zone near Shingle Hill Way junction; U-turn for a
second lap to Lake George turn and back to finish.

Help Needed: Paul
will need at least 3 turn marshals, two drivers (lead and trailing
cars) and at least two others to assist at the start and finish. Please
contact him as soon as possible.

The Need to Sign a Disclaimer when Renewing your Membership -
A Note from Mel Davies, AVCC Secretary/Treasurer:"Please
note that membership forms have to be endorsed with the signature of
the applicant. This is to protect ourselves should an applicant later
plead ignorance regarding the points raised in the declaration form.

We have received instructions from our Broker, who has been in
contact with QBE Insurance, that says we have to tighten up our
procedures regarding risk management, as is the practice for all other
sports covered by the company. As part of that tightening we have been
instructed to come up with a common Declaration for membership forms
that must be adopted by all clubs as from 1st October this year (meaning
old declarations have to be scrapped). Please note that this is
imperative. We cannot afford to alienate the insurers and any club that
does not conform with this instruction may jeopardise our future
relationships with QBE. As we have to soon negotiate the insurance
fees, the necessity of abiding by their instruction should be obvious.
As such forms may be called for should a serious accident occur than it
is in the interests of all clubs to take this seriously.
The Declaration on membership forms must be as follows:
I the undersigned agree to abide by the rules and regulations of
the . (name of state body), the Australian Veteran Cycling Council
(AVCC) and affiliated clubs as they may be formulated from time to time.
I further agree to observe and comply with all oral and written
instructions issued by the appointed officials of the . (name of club), .
(name of State body) and/or the AVCC. In consideration of my
participation in the activities of the club I freely release the . (name
of club), the. (name of State body) and the AVCC, and officials of the
aforementioned bodies from any and all liability for any injury, loss
and damage arising out of the activities, I accept the dangers that may
be involved in competitive cycling and undertake to participate entirely
at my own risk. I understand that my registration fee includes a level
of accident insurance cover and that details can be viewed on the AVCC
web page. I acknowledge that the insurance benefits provided are limited
and that I should consider carrying personal insurance as well as
ambulance and private health cover. I further declare that I have no
health problems that make me incapable of competing safely in AVCC
events and that I will inform the AVCC or affiliates should health
concerns arise.

Cover for insurance is dated from 1st October 2011 or time of
receipt of your form if after this date and lasts until 31st December
2012. For renewals after 1st January 2012, please note the insurance
company does not allow days-of-grace. All racing members are covered by
insurance for racing and training (including private training) and all
officials and affiliates are covered for public liability: N.B. A rider
who reaches the age of 80 years before 1st January 2012 must obtain a
medical clearance and a letter from a club official attesting to his/her
ability to compete, and clearance must be received by the AVCC
Secretary from the insurer before the rider is allowed insurance cover
and permitted to compete.

NB - (i) regarding ambulance cover, one member last year
received a shock when he discovered that while QBE covered part of his
ambulance bill , he was still $2,000 out of pocket - thus the specific
mention of that in the declaration.
(ii) regarding the warning of the dangers of cycle racing as a sport,
this arises out of a current case being brought by a rider against the
WA CA, whereby a triathlon rider who rode on the track for the first
time, and fell, has sued CA because she was not warned that cycling was a
dangerous sport."

Directing
Next Month?: Please Confirm
Please
check the list below and notify Graham (webmaster@actvets.cc)
if you are unable to meet your obligations or provide a substitute
director in your absence.

Thursday, 6
October 6:00pm - Queanbeyan Track Racing The track racing season will
kick off with a practice session on Thursday 6 October at the Queanbeyan track.
There will be no racing. All interested riders are invited - particularly new
riders and track novices. It is a great opportunity to give track a
try!

Note:
+ Queanbeyan track is located in the park in Central
Queanbeyan (behind the police station);
+ Track & road bikes
acceptable;
+ New riders can get practical advice on gearing, bunch riding
& track etiquette;
+ Interested riders can try out a track bike;
+
Experienced riders can tune up the machinery & motor;
+ All riders can
express their preference for events & races;
+ The practice session will
be around 1hr 30 mins;
+ There is no formal structure to the practice. You
can do your own thing.
+ We hope all riders will later adjourn to the
Rendevous Cafe to discuss the coming track season.

A few basics on track
etiquette for the practice session:
+ If you are cruising around the track,
ride high (next to the rail);
+ Tempo riders use the centre of the
track;
+ Use the inner track if you are circulating fast or sprinting;
+
Hold your line - don't make any sudden changes of speed or position;
+ Be
very careful if you are crossing or moving on / off the track;
+ Start from
the fence and be aware of riders approaching;
+ Be careful braking on road
bikes. Remember the track bike on your arse has no brakes!

Race Director: John Thorn
Contact: jpthorn@gmail.com, (02) 6226
8023
Help Needed: John will require at least 2 turn marshals and two others
to assist at the start and finish. Please contact him early this week to offer
assistance.

Directing
Next Month?: Please Confirm
Please check the list
below and notify Graham (webmaster@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet your
obligations or provide a substitute director in your absence.